VETERAN Isle of Wight runner Pete Young excelled in England colours — winning gold and bronze medals at the British and Irish Home International Cross Country in Scotland.

Achieving an excellent podium place in the English Masters Cross Country Championships in Derby, Pete gained selection for England for the event at Tollcross Park in Glasgow.

Running a three-lap 2km loop in the 6km race, the event combined international women and all men aged 65 and over.

Pete was soon into his stride — keeping a close eye on the other masters in his 75-79 age category.

After the first lap, the Ryde Harriers athlete could see his two England team-mates ahead of him as he worked past younger athletes in the race.

Into the third lap, Pete was closing in on Mick Casey, who was the second England scorer, but he did not have quite enough in the tank to pass him as Pete recorded 30mins 20secs.

With many ages groups competing in one race, the results and presentations took place in the evening at a local hotel.

When finalised, Pete was finished an outstanding third overall in the race, to be awarded the bronze medal.

With his two team-mates just ahead of him, his England team easily won the team gold award, ahead of the best masters from Scotland, Wales, Ireland and Northern Ireland.

His coach, Geoff Watkin, said: "Pete is truly amazing, as to his level of commitment to his athletics, and he deserves everything he has achieved, with his many, many victories and international races run.

"I don’t adjust his training from that of the talented youngsters at Ryde Harriers.

"He is at the track, without fail, every week, in all weathers, to put himself through a tough training session. 

"On his long journeys across the country and abroad, he is always supported by his partner, Joyce, who is an important part of our team."